I am a recent graduate of the University of Maine, where I majored in Earth & Climate Sciences with a concentration in Geology and a minor in Astronomy.

The joy found in connections between course concepts and knowledge gained in the field is unmatched. Studying Earth & Climate Sciences and Astronomy enabled me to apply methodologies utilized in better understanding the Earth to other planets both within and outside our Solar System. While in ERS 425 (How to Build a Habitable Planet), I connected what I learned about the proliferation of life on Earth and Earth's paleoclimate to my internship research in the JWST Program Office at NASA Headquarters for my final project in the course. In doing so, I was able to relate stellar variability to potential planetary habitability -- a key piece to fulfilling Astro2020 recommendations for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

While course emphasis is on Geology, Astronomy, and Physics, I have taken writing and public speaking courses, too. I believe the ability to communicate science is as important, if not more so, than the science itself. 

I have served as a Maine Learning Assistant and Teaching Assistant for the AST 109: Introduction to Astronomy course and the corresponding lab section (AST 110: Introduction to Astronomy lab). I was nominated for Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year for the 2020-2021 Academic Year for my work as a TA during online instruction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.